Karabük

Area: 1.376 km²

Population: 225.102 (2000)

Traffic Code: 78

The province of Karabük is located in the Western Black Sea Region, and is a tourism paradise with its historical Safranbolu houses and ancient cities.

Karabük carries the rightful honor of representing the industrialization process in the history of the Turkish Nation. In the first years of the Republic, as a result of the revolution decision of the Great Leader Atatürk on the manner of industrialization, Karabük province was chosen for the foundation of the first integrated iron - steel facility of Turkey, because of its proximity to the mine coal catchment area and to the shoreline, because the province is located on the route of railway and because of its strategic convenience.

Districts: Karabük (Center) , Eflani, Eskipazar, Ovacık, Safranbolu, Yenice

How to Get
Reaching to the province of Karabük is possible via highway and railway. The nearest airport to the province is Ankara Esenboğa Airport (240 km.).

Highway: Reaching to the province of Karabük is possible via Ankara - Istanbul highway . You should take the road separated at the Gerede turn and the city is 80 km distant. The bus station is located in the city center.

Telephone of the Bus Station: (+90-370) 415 55 37

Railway: It is possible to reach Zonguldak and Ankara provinces from Karabük by railway. Travelling in the direction of Zonguldak by railway is more convenient than travelling by highway although reaching to Ankara takes longer than normal with railway. Therefore transportation to Ankara via highway is recommended. The distance between the railway station and the city center is approximately 2 km.

Telephone of the Railway Station: (+90-370) 424 15 49

Safranbolu Houses
The most important element, which brought Safranbolu forward in our country and in the world at the scope of the culture tourism, is the Safranbolu houses constructed in the style of the traditional Turkish architecture. These houses are attractive both in the scope of urban positions and their architecture styles. There are approximately 2000 traditional Turkish houses at the district center constructed at the beginning of 18th and 19th century.

The houses are grouped in two different regions of the Safranbolu district. The first region is the winter residence known as the city and the second region is the summer residence known as bağlar (orchard).

Ancient Cities
As a result of the archeological excavations and studies executed in the Karabük province the ruins of the ancient Hadrianapolis city had been discovered inside the borders of the Eskipazar district which was assumed to be founded in BC 64, in the Roman civilization period. Another important settlement area belonging to this ancient city is Kimistene, located at the Asar Hill.

There is an ancient settlement belonging to the Roman civilization period at the Akören village of Safranbolu district.

There are 32 normal sized and 4 large sized tumulus inside the borders of the Karabük Province.

The important mosques and churches of Karabük Province would be counted as St. Stefanos Church (Ulu Mosque) located in Safranbolu district, Eski Mosque (Old Mosque)(Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque), Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Hidayetullah Mosque, Taş Minare Mosque (Stone Minaret Mosque), Dağdelen Mosque, İzzet Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Akçasu Mosque and Küre-i Hadit Mosque located in Eflani District.

Cinci Inn: The inn is located at the Çeşme Quarter of Safranbolu District at the middle of the bazaar. This magnificent structure is constructed his hometown, Safranbolu by the Rumeli Kazaskeri Cinci Hoca (Real name Hüseyin), who had gained power and became rich during the period of Sultan İbrahim.

There are two other inns other than Cinci inn in Safranbolu named Pamukçu and Tuzcu Inns. The Katırcı Inn located in the Eflani district , which was constructed by the beginning of 20th century.

Baths
Eski Hamam (Old Bath): The bath is located in the Çeşme quarter of the Safranbolu district. It was from the Byzantine period.

Yeni Hamam (New Bath) (Cinci Bath): The bath is located in the Çeşme quarter of the Safranbolu district inside the Bazaar. This bath was also constructed by Cinci Hoca.

Yazıköy Bath: The bath is located inside the borders of Safranbolu District and the exact date of construction is not known. It is estimated to be constructed in the mids of 1800.

Bulak Bath: The bath is located in the Karabük province and the exact construction date is not known. It is estimated to be constructed in the year of 1780. It is a creation of the Ottoman period.

Fountains
There are 93 officially registered fountains with and without inscriptions as cultural riches in the Safranbolu district.

Taşköprü: The bridge is located to the east of Safranbolu district and 200 meters north of Konarı village. The bridge is constructed over the Eflani Creek and the exact construction date is not known.

Bridges
Tokatlı Bridge The bridge is located at the Aşağı Tokatlı Quarter of Safranbolu district. The construction date is assumed to be the 18th century.

Highlands
Sorkun Plateau: The Sorkun Plateau is located inside the borders of Karabük - Yenice - Eskipazar and has an approximate altitude of 1650 meters. The plateau has a vast area and is available for trekking purposes.

Ulu Plateau: The Ulu Plateau is located at the north of Safranbolu district and is covered with abundant forests with vast and green meadows. The combination of wooden plateau houses and forests exposes a paradise like adobe. The plateau is suitable for camping and trekking purposes.

Sarıçiçek Plateau: The plateau is located inside the borders of Safranbolu district and has an altitude of 1700 meters. The plateau is covered with forests. The plateau is suitable for trekking, horse riding, mountain bike riding and camping.

Boduroğlu Plateau: The plateau is located in the Ovacık district and has an unmatched beauty. Every year festivals are arranged in the plateau.